Electronic information hierarchy

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the disclosure relate to systems and methods for providing and displaying a hierarchy of selectable data items.

BACKGROUND

Recent years have witnessed the development of smart phones and wirelessdevices that carry data in addition to telephone conversations. Somedevices, however, have screens that do not adapt themselves well todisplaying certain content (e.g., complex Web pages and/or twodimensional grid guide listings). A user may be forced to constantlyzoom in and out to access data, and may become lost or confused due tothe small screen area, and data organization, of the portable device

Therefore, there is an increasing need for simpler and more appealingways to search for and access content on display devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure relate to systems and methods for providingand/or displaying data in a hierarchy. The hierarchy of data may beconfigured to display content, available from, for example, variouscontent items. In one embodiment, a system may be configured to displayand permit navigation of multidimensional (e.g., time and content item)data on a display device. The display devices may be variouslyconfigured to include large and small devices, mobile and fixed devices,and other suitable displays. In certain embodiments, a display devicemay be in operative communication with a more stationary object. As oneexample, many home appliances (such as refrigerators) are increasinglybeing manufactured with one or more display devices. Thus, aspects ofthe current disclosure may be implemented on any display device and arenot restricted to display devices of portable devices.

In another embodiment, a display device may be configured to display afirst layer of an expandable hierarchy of data as a single column alonga first axis. The axis may be either in a vertical and/or horizontalorientation. The single column may display, for example, a list of mediaitems such as items. For example, channel listings from one or moreservice providers may be displayed. In some embodiments, the singlecolumn may provide a listing of data items from a plurality of differentitems.

In yet further embodiments, selection of a media item may result in asecond layer of the expandable hierarchy of data to be displayed. Thesecond layer may include media offerings associated with the selectedmedia item. The media offerings may be displayed along the first axis(e.g., vertical axis) (in one or more rows) within the column. Incertain embodiments, at least two channel listings of the first layerremain displayed along the vertical axis. The quantity of mediaofferings displayed in response to receiving the user input may bedetermined or selected by one or more methodologies and may be dependentupon user preferences, screen size, and/or device type. Further, thequantity to be displayed may be specific to a particular type ofinformation being displayed (e.g., group of listings). In oneembodiment, the first and the second layer form an accessible item suchas a unitary accessible item. Alternatively, the second layer may scrollwithin an expanded portion of the scroll listing in the first layer.

In accordance with other embodiments, a user input selecting one of thedisplayed offerings of the second layer may cause the expansion of atleast a portion of the second layer. In one embodiment, a third layermay be introduced within the axis (e.g., a vertical axis). In oneembodiment, at least a portion of the first, second and third layers mayform a single unitary accessible item. In one embodiment, the thirdlayer may include descriptive content of the selected item (e.g., amedia item) along the same axis (e.g., vertical axis). The quantity ofofferings (e.g., media offerings) displayed in response to receiving theuser input may be determined or selected by one or more methodologies.In yet further embodiments, a user input may identify at least a portionof the descriptive content to be displayed in response to the selectionof first layer information (e.g., media offerings). Identification ofselection of the descriptive content may be specific to first layerinformation (e.g., media offering or group of media offerings). In stillyet further embodiments, a selectable action for initiating playback ofthe selected media may be made in addition to displaying descriptivecontent of the selected media offering. Selectable actions may include,but are not limited to, play, rewind, fast forward, and/or stop.

In another embodiment, the single column of the first layer comprises asubstantially uniform horizontal width between two vertical boundariesthat are parallel with the first vertical axis. In further embodiments,the portion of the first layer content offerings associated with theselected data listing displayed on the second layer in response to thefirst user input form a column having the same horizontal width as thesingle column of the first column. In one embodiment, the media contentis displayed within the horizontal boundaries formed by the expandablehierarchy.

In one implementation, displaying playback of the selected content(e.g., media offering) may be provided on a display region within thetwo vertical boundaries of the single column of the first layer. Inanother embodiment, the portion of media offerings displayed on thesecond layer in response to a selection of a media item collectivelyform a top boundary and a bottom boundary separated by a verticaldistance that is substantially identical to the media item that wasselected by the first user input. In yet other embodiments, playback ofthe selected media offering may occur on the device but outside (eitherpartially or fully) the boundaries of the single column of the firstlayer. In still yet another embodiment, playback of the selected mediaoffering may occur on one or more separate devices, e.g., devices suchas one or more televisions or other displays.

Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a plurality of layersconfigured to provide a selectable collection of data (e.g., images,text, etc.) that permits navigation without losing context and/ororientation. In this regard, implementation of certain embodiments mayfurther reduce the quantity of user inputs required to navigate thedata. For example, in exemplary embodiments, a user may navigatemultiple layers of hierarchical data without losing context as tohis/her location in the hierarchy with a single digit (e.g., a thumb).The user can easily move along the first layer, drop to subsequentlayers, move along subsequent layers and back out again while at alltimes not becoming lost in the data. Further, in embodiments that movealong a single axis, the user has intuitive access to the data bycontinuing to scroll by simply swiping the layered data. In oneimplementation, data may be rendered based upon the capabilities (and/orsettings of) the computing device accessing the data.

An accessed collection of data may include multiple forms of data (e.g.,textual, image, and/or video). As one example, modern websites are oftenconfigured to simultaneously provide multiple media types. Depending onthe capabilities, configuration, and/or user settings of a computingdevice, a website (or portion thereof) may be rendered to be displayableas a single column comprising a plurality of data entries along a firstvertical axis. For example, when rendering a website designed for acomputer monitor on a phone, rendering the data in an alternate formatmay be desirable. For example, rather than have related data appearacross the entire screen in two dimensions, the data can appear asmultiple dimensions arranged along an axis.

In an exemplary embodiment, a two dimensional program guide with videoof the selected program in the upper right corner, information about theselected program in the upper left corner, and a two dimensionalinformation grid with time on one axis and channels on a second axis maybe rendered along a single axis in accordance with aspects of thisinvention. For example, the channels may appear in the top layerinformation and be scrolled through along one axis (e.g., vertical).Selecting a channel may split the displayed channels separating themalong the axis and placing second level information (e.g., time andassociated program) between them. Selecting a time/associated programmay then split the information again along the same axis (e.g., eithervertical or horizontal) and bring up third level information in theopened area (e.g., information about the show). Selecting the thirdlevel information may bring up fourth level information such as play,record, send, fast forward, rewind between the second level information.The fourth level information may also be displayed full screen.

The items of data displayed along the axis may represent a differenttype of data from one or more items (such as websites). In still yetanother embodiment, one or more filters may be utilized to determinewhether an asset should be rendered. Rendering of assets (for example,from a website) may consider associations or commonalities among theassets. For example, different assets may relate to first group (e.g. afirst article or media offering among a plurality articles or mediaofferings). The rendered assets may be arranged within a hierarchy ofdata having multiple layers.

The expansion of a first layer to display a second layer may beresponsive to the receipt of a user input configured to select one ofthe displayed data items. In one embodiment, the second layer maycomprise information regarding media content. For example, in oneembodiment, information regarding a video asset may be displayed. Theinformation may include, for example, a caption, description, length,still image, quality information or combinations thereof. In yet anotherembodiment, a reduced bit rate version of the video asset may beprovided. In still yet another embodiment, the video, in its originalbit rate, may be displayable. The second layer, as well as one or moresubsequent layers, may be displayed along the same first vertical axisas the first layer. For example, the bit rate displayed may be variablebased on the device running the application and/or the connection to thedevice. Where the device is connected via WiFi, a first image qualitymay display. As the user walks out of the house and switches to 4G, asecond image quality may be played. As the user enters his home andtransfers a football game to his television, a third image quality maybe displayed.

The preceding presents a simplified summary of some aspects in order toprovide a basic understanding of some features described in thisdisclosure. The summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure.It is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of thedisclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure. The summarymerely presents some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form asa prelude to the description below.

In accordance with another embodiment related to, for example, contentlistings, a first user input selecting one of the displayed items alongan axis (e.g., channels and/or media content) may result in expandingthe first layer. The first layer is multidimensional in that a second,third, fourth, etc., layer of information exists associated with thefirst layer. Selection of an item in the first layer allows the firstlayer to be expanded along the axis and have second layer informationinserted between the first layer information. The second layerinformation may appear as a three dimensional scroll wheel, in a box,and/or as a separate window. The second layer information may then bescrolled through without impacting the location in the first layerinformation. In one exemplary embodiment, pressing a button such as a“home” button, back button, and/or escape button may take a user from adeeper layer up through the hierarchy to a higher layer. Clicking anitem, in certain embodiments, may take a user to a sequentially lowerlayer in the hierarchy. In this manner, for example, the user may havemedia items listed in the first layer, e.g., NBC, Youtube, Fox, Yahoo,Pandora. In this example, the user may scroll along one axis to selectdifferent elements in the first layer (e.g., media items). Once the userhas selected an item in the first layer (e.g., NBC), a second layeropens. In embodiments, the second layer may open along a single axis,splitting apart first layer information and inserting second layerinformation. This allows the user to move vertically up and down layersof information along the same axis by moving aside the first layerinformation and exposing the second layer information. For example,where second layer information includes program guide listings, the usermay then scroll along the same and/or a different axis program guidelistings for NBC (in this example). The scroll may be along the sameaxis, may be three dimensional such as with a wheel or rolodex, and/ormay be a single dimensional scroll. In one embodiment, the scrollcontinues along the same axis to provide a natural and intuitiveprogression. The user may then select second layer information such as,for example, a program listing. The selection of the second layerinformation may be variously configured. In one embodiment, selection ofsecond layer information brings up third layer information e.g., in thisexample options to play, record, watch trailer, e-mail, link, or viewadditional information about the show. Additional layers such as fourth,fifth, sixth, etc. layers may also be provided. In one example, thethird layer may provide information regarding the selected programlisting selected from the second layer. In one embodiment, a layer mayprovide record, play, and/or send options. In certain embodiments, alayer may be provided such that the selected media content may be playedwithin an area along the same axis of the previous layers. In certainembodiments, different layers may expand the axis even further. Forexample, when a layer is finally reached which is determined to besuitable, the axis may be expanded to include all or substantially allof the screen area. For example, where the show is finally selected tobe watched, the opening along the axis may be full screen orsubstantially full screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitedin the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicatesimilar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example information distribution network inaccordance with an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary hardware elements on which the variouselements described herein may be implemented in accordance with anaspect of the disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3B shows an exemplary flowchart illustrative of one method fordisplaying media information as an expandable hierarchy of data inaccordance with an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-4G show an exemplary hierarchy of layers configured to providea selectable collection of data being displayed on a display device inaccordance with aspects of the disclosure;

FIGS. 5A-5C show an exemplary hierarchy of layers configured to providea selectable collection of data being displayed on a display device inaccordance with other aspects of the disclosure; and

FIGS. 6A-6G show an exemplary conversion of a 2-dimensional collectiondata into a hierarchical structure comprising navigable layers of data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various illustrative embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a parthereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, variousembodiments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It isto be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structuraland functional modifications may be made, without departing from thescope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example information distribution network 100 onwhich many of the various features described herein may be implemented.Network 100 may be any type of information distribution network, such ascable, fiber, satellite, telephone, cellular, wireless, etc. One examplemay be an optical fiber network, a coaxial cable network or a hybridfiber/coax distribution network. Network 100 may be variously configuredsuch as having one or more wired or wireless communication channels 101(e.g., coaxial cables, optical fibers, wireless, etc.) to connect one ormore locations 102 (e.g., businesses, homes, consumer dwellings, networkreitems, etc.) to one or more data center(s) 103 (e.g., data center orheadend). The data center 103 may transmit downstream informationsignals onto the channels 101, and each home 102 may have a receiverused to receive and process those signals.

There may be one line 101 originating from the data center 103, and itmay be split a number of times to distribute the signal to variouslocations 102 in the vicinity (which may be many miles) of the datacenter 103. The channels 101 may or may not include additionalcomponents. Where the communication channels 101 include additionalcomponents, these components may be such items such as splitters,filters, amplifiers. Portions of the channels 101 may also beimplemented with fiber-optic cable, while other portions may beimplemented with coaxial cable, other channels, or wirelesscommunication paths. The data center 103 may include an interface 104which may be variously configured. In one exemplary embodiment, theinterface includes a modulator and a demodulator (modem). The datacenter 103 may include various backend devices such as processors and/orstorage devices such as servers 105-107. The data center 103 may alsoinclude one or more network interfaces 108, which can permit the datacenter 103 to communicate with one or more networks 109 such as public,private, switched, or packet networks. Network(s) 109 may be variouslyconfigured to include one or more networks such as for example, theInternet devices, telephone networks, cellular networks, fiber networks,wireless networks (e.g., WiMAX), satellite networks, and any otherdesired network.

As noted above, the data center 103 may include a variety of serverssuch as one or more content server(s) 106 for distributing audio, video,and/or data content using one or more protocols. The content may bevariously configured to include content such as, for example, video ondemand movies, television programs, songs, text listings, etc. Thecontent server 106 may be variously configured to include such items as,for example, software to validate user identities and entitlements,locate and retrieve requested content, encrypt the content, and initiatedelivery (e.g., streaming) of the content to the requesting user and/ordevice.

The data center 103 may also include one or more application servers107. An application server 107 may be variously configured to offer anydesired service, and may run various languages and operating systems(e.g., servlets and JSP pages running on Tomcat/MySQL, OSX, BSD, Ubuntu,Redhat, HTML5, JavaScript, AJAX and COMET).

In one exemplary embodiment, an application server 107 may be configuredfor a specific environment such as a content distribution and/ormonitoring environment. An example location 102 a may include aninterface 110 which may be variously configured such as, for example,including one or more transmitters and/or receivers used to communicatewith the data center using, for example channel(s) 101. The interface110 may be variously configured to communicate directly and/orindirectly with one or more devices local and/or remote to the location102(a). For example, these devices may include one or more terminalssuch as, for example, televisions 112, radios, music players, computingdevices, a set-top box(s) (STB) 113, computers 114, laptops 115, digitalvideo recorder(s) (DVR), computer server(s), wireless devices such asphones or tablets 116, and/or any other desired computing device.Examples of the local network interfaces include Multimedia Over CoaxAlliance (MoCA) interfaces, Ethernet interfaces, universal serial bus(USB) interfaces, wireless interfaces (e.g., IEEE 802.11), Bluetoothinterfaces, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates general hardware elements that can be used toimplement any of the various computing devices discussed above. Thecomputing device 200 may include one or more processors 201, which mayexecute instructions of a computer program to perform any of thefeatures described herein. The instructions may be stored in any type ofcomputer-readable medium or memory, to configure the operation of theprocessor 201. For example, instructions may be stored in a read-onlymemory (ROM) 202, random access memory (RAM) 203, removable media 204,such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, compact disc (CD) or digitalversatile disc (DVD), floppy disk drive, or any other desired electronicstorage medium. Instructions may also be stored in an attached (orinternal) hard drive 205. The computing device 200 may include one ormore output devices, such as a display 206, and may include one or moreoutput device controllers 207, such as a video processor. There may alsobe one or more user input devices 208, such as a remote control,keyboard, mouse, touch screen, microphone, etc. The computing device 200may also include one or more network interfaces 209, such as, forexample input/output circuits with one or more external network(s) 210.The network interface may be a wired interface, wireless interface, or acombination of the two. In some embodiments, the interface 209 mayinclude a transmitter and/or receiver (e.g., a modem), and network 210may include one or more of the communication channels 101.

Aspects of this disclosure relate to improved systems and methods fordisplaying, data, such as media content information on display devices.FIGS. 3A-B are exemplary flowcharts of illustrative method(s) fordisplaying data as an expandable hierarchy of data in accordance withembodiments of this disclosure. One or more methods of FIGS. 3A-B may beutilized to permit a user of a device, such as a mobile portable device,to consume and/or search data such as descriptive content of media theymay be interested in. For example, in step 302 the display may include acolumn or row with one or more first layer data (e.g., items). Inexemplary embodiments, different information may be shown along a singleaxis such as in a row or column. In one embodiment, HBO, Showtime,and/or Disney may be shown vertically down the screen. The user maynavigate down the different items and select a item. A second layer maythen arise. The second layer may be disposed adjacent to, overlay,partially overlay, expand out of, and/or in a 3D relationship to thefirst layer. In one embodiment, the second layer may be disposed alongor substantially along a similar axis to the first layer data. The usermay provide a further selecting of second layer data (e.g., of anoffering of content such as a movie or show). The third selection mayvariously create a third layer of expandable hierarchy showing furtherdata, e.g., descriptive content and/or actions associated with theselected offerings. A third layer may be disposed adjacent to, overlay,partially overlay, expand out of, and/or in a 3D relationship to thesecond layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the third layer expandssubstantially along the same or similar axis which in certainembodiments facilitates the user keeping context of his location withinthe data. In this example, the third layer data may be, for example,additional information, or options selectable by the user, such as:play, record, and/or send.

The display of the hierarchy either vertically and/or horizontallyand/or the relationship between the various layers (disposed adjacentto, overlay, partially overlay, expand out of, and/or in a 3Drelationship) may be user selectable. Further, the user may select thecontent items and/or content within the content items. For example, theuser may apply various filters such as, for example, favorite channels,favorite content providers, ratings, and/or other selection criteria tothe first, second, or other layers of data. The user may further applyfilters to the content within the content items e.g., a rating on theprograms available for viewing and/or a category of programs. Further,the filter may be manually controlled and/or automatically adjustedbased on the device configuration on which the information is presented.For example, automatic filters and/or configurations may be appliedwhere the device is low resolution (e.g., non-HD TV), small in size(e.g., cell phone), medium in size (e.g., laptop, tablet), or large insize (e.g., television). Additionally, the filters may be stored in thecloud and/or at one or more devices. The filters may be pushed out fromone device to all other associated devices, for example, with user theconfiguration files. For example, in the exemplary flow of FIG. 3B, thefilters may be applied based on the size of the display and the filterapplied relates to the quantity of the items to be displayed at step 302a. The display quantity may be adjusted at step 302 b or set to adefault value step 302 c where the display is not known.

In one exemplary embodiment, a hierarchy of layers may be configured toprovide a selectable collection of data. The collection of data mayrepresent a plurality of data items. In one embodiment, data items mayrepresent content listings of media. To permit easier access to an enduser, content listing (or any other type of data) may be rendered in asingle column comprising a plurality of data entries along a first axis(e.g., vertical).

Specifically, FIGS. 4A-4G show an illustrative hierarchy of data,exemplified as selectable data 400 (e.g., content listings), beingdisplayed on display device 402. As seen in FIG. 4A, a selectablehierarchy of data 400 may include a plurality of sequentially-arrangeddata 404-408 (e.g., items of media content), aligned along verticaland/or horizontally axis 410 of display 402. In one embodiment, data404-408 may represent items of content, such as media content listings.FIGS. 4A-4D show a rectangular overlay such as might be associated with,for example, a telephone. While embodiments may be employed on anydisplay device, the elongated rectangle associated commonly with phoneshas particular applicability to certain embodiments particularly where avertical axis is utilized.

In an embodiment in which data 404-408 represents items of mediacontent, data 404 may represent video reitems available from one or moreitems, such as a first website and/or content provider (e.g., NBC, CBS,Yahoo, Google, or Amazon), data 406 may represent textual informationaccessible from the one or more items such as a second web site (e.g.,HBO), and data 408 may represent one or more video reitems accessiblefrom a third content provider (e.g., Disney). While the informationshown in FIG. 4A may be variously configured, in exemplary embodimentsit may represent first level information. There may, of course, be morefirst level information available than can be displayed on the screen atany one time. FIG. 4B shows that the first level information may bescrolled on and off of the screen and may be considered to exist behindthe screen.

In exemplary embodiments, the first, second, and/or third, etc. levelinformation is stored as a linked list. In still further embodiments,the first, second, and/or third, etc. level information is stored in adata array.

In still further embodiments, data 404-408 of FIG. 4A may representchannel listings, such as associated with a program guide. For example,briefly looking to FIG. 4E, item 404 may represent channel 5 (“USA”),item 406 may represent channel 6 (“ABC”) and item 408 may representchannel 7 (“ESPN”), each of which may be received from one or morecontent provider(s). The items of media content 404-408 may be receivedthrough any suitable item such as a multicast media system. In yetanother embodiment, item 406 may represent a first channel from a firstcontent provider and item 408 may represent a first channel from asecond content provider such as a media item. For example, item 404 mayrepresent an high-definition (HD) movie channel from a multicastprovider, item 406 may represent a music channel from an over-the-air(OTA) antenna, and item 408 may represent an interactive media channelfrom a third provider. One or more channels may be mapped to interactivecontent available from any suitable item such as, for example providerson the Internet and/or a webpage. As shown in the examples of FIG. 4A-4Band 4E, data items 404-408 are shown as sequentially-adjacent along axis410. This example does not have intervening content which, in certainexamples, can simplify the presentation to the user.

In exemplary embodiments, the layer one information represents representchannel listings available from a single content provider, layer twoinformation represents programs on that channel, and subsequent layerinformation includes the ability to play the content. However, asdiscussed above, this disclosure is not so limited, and the examples aremerely for illustrative purposes.

Various embodiments may determine whether an indication of the quantityof layer information (e.g., 404-408) to be displayed has been received(see, e.g., decision 302 a of FIG. 3B). In one embodiment, the quantityof information associated with a particular layer to be displayed atblock 302 may be based, at least in part, on the size of the display400, the type of device 200, the level of information (e.g., layer one,two, three etc.) and/or one or more software/hardware components ofdevice 200. For example, in one embodiment, one or more systems ormethods may auto-detect that device 200 is a mobile device (or specifictype, make or model of a mobile device) and determine a quantity offirst, second level, and/or third level, etc. information tosimultaneously display at block 302.

In yet another embodiment, decision 302 a may comprise the reception ofa user input that indicates the quantity of information items, such as,channel listings to be simultaneously displayed along axis 410. If atdecision 302 a, an indication is received (either through a user input,an automated procedure, and/or another action), block 302 b may beimplemented to display the indicated quantity of data items at block302. If an indication is not received at 302 a, block 302 c may bereceived to display a default value of data items. Block 302 c may befollowed by the re-execution of 302a.

In one implementation, level one information (e.g., data items) 404-408may be vertically accessible as a single item, such that less than allof the level one information is simultaneously viewable on display 402.As an example, FIG. 4B shows hierarchy of data of selectable level oneinformation 412-414 as part of the single axis of hierarchy of data ofselectable content listings only some of which is on the screen. In thedepiction shown in FIG. 4B, certain level one information 412-414 maynot be displayed due to size restrictions. In one embodiment, however, auser may touch/swipe a region of display 402 corresponding to a commandto scroll up/down the column, thereby causing other level 1, 2, 3, etc.,information (depending on the current active level) to fall outside ofthe viewable region of display 402. In addition, level one information(e.g., channel listings) 412-414 may enter the viewable region ofdisplay 402 (from the top and/or bottom portion). Those skilled in theart will appreciate that a touch-sensitive display (such as for example,display 402), is only one example of a mechanism configured to receive auser input to vertically and/or horizontally scroll through thehierarchy of data 400 and that a user input may be received through anyinput device, including for example, keypad 306 shown in FIG. 2.

Further aspects of this disclosure relate to a hierarchy of data havingmultiple layers arranged in an expandable hierarchy of data, such asalong one or more axis such as a horizontal and/or vertical axis 410.For example, each of items 404-408, 412-414 may represent a first layerdata that is first displayed at block 302. Each of the first layer data,however, may be associated with second layer data (e.g., chronologicallyordered media offerings that are not displayed in FIG. 4B).

In response to the selection of the displayed item, a first layer (or aportion thereof) may be expanded and a second layer may be displayed inregards to the selected first layer data (see, e.g., block 306 of FIG.3A). For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, first level data 404 may havebeen selected, and as a result, second layer data 415 (e.g., multiplesecond level data items 416-420) may be displayed. Thus, in oneembodiment, the first layer (e.g., data items 404-408) may be expandedalong the vertical axis 410 and second layer 415 of the expandablehierarchy of data is displayed. As shown in the illustrative embodimentof FIG. 4C, second level 415 comprises at least a portion of the mediaofferings (e.g., 416-420) associated with the selected item 404. In oneembodiment, media offerings 416-420 may be chronologically-ordered.

Further, the displayed level information (e.g., media offerings orcontent listings) 416-420 of the second layer 415 may be displayed alongthe same first axis 410 (e.g., vertical axis) and wherein at least aportion of two data items (e.g., 404, 406) of the first layer remaindisplayed along the axis 410. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4C,item 404 remained upon reception of the user input selecting it,however, in another embodiment, a data item, such as item 404 may not bedisplayed upon selection, but rather may be replaced with contents ofthe second layer 415.

The displayed media offerings may be chronologically ordered accordingto a fixed timeline, for example, 416-420 each represent a fixed timeframe, such as 30 minutes. Yet in other embodiments, the media offeringsmay be ordered on a relative scale such as when the shows are scheduled.For example, longer shows may occupy a slightly larger amount of roomalong the axis and/or be shown as slightly larger (either verticallyand/or horizontally). For example, offering 416 may be scheduled tostart at 6:00 and have a duration of 30 minutes and offering 418 may bescheduled to start at 6:30 and have a duration of 1 hour. Therefore, inone embodiment, despite offering 418 being twice the duration ofoffering 416, it may only occupy one entry rather than two 30 minutetime slots. In other embodiments, the longer offering may extend onlyslightly in the vertical and/or horizontal direction such as about 10%,20%, 30%, 50% of the original listing. In yet another embodiment, themedia offerings may not be chronologically ordered, but rather may bedisplayed in accordance to other criteria, such as viewer requests, avote, or combinations thereof.

In accordance with one embodiment, the portion of media offerings (e.g.,416-420) displayed on the second layer 415 in response to the first userinput collectively form a top boundary and a bottom boundary separatedby a vertical distance (such as along axis 410) that is substantiallyidentical to the item 404 that was selected by the first user input. Yetin another embodiment, the vertical distance between a top and bottomboundary of the displayed media offerings may be less than the selectedchannel listing (e.g., 404). In yet further embodiments, the verticaldistance between a top and bottom boundary of the displayed mediaofferings may be greater than the selected channel listing (e.g., 404).

In one embodiment, upon reception of the user input at block 304, thefirst layer and the second layer collectively form a single verticallyaccessible item at block 306. In another embodiment, the single columnof the first layer may define a substantially uniform horizontal widthbetween two vertical boundaries that are parallel with the firstvertical axis 410. Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, the portion of thechronologically-ordered media offerings (e.g., 416-420) associated withthe selected item 404 displayed on the second layer 415 in response tothe first user input form a column having substantially the samehorizontal width as the single column of the first column.

In one embodiment, a user input may be specific to a single data item.For example, a user may designate that selection of item 404 may resultin the displaying of 3 hours of programming, whereas the selection ofitem 406 may result in the displaying of 4 hours of programming.Alternatively, the selection may be specific to other criteria, in lieuof or in addition to time, such as a quantity of media offerings. Forexample, selecting item 404 may display 3 media offerings, whereasselecting item 406 displays 4 media offerings.

At block 308, a user input may be received that is configured to selecta displayed media offering (such as one of the displayed media offerings416-420 of the second layer 415), and in response, display descriptivecontent of the selected media offering, such as along the same firstvertical axis 410.

In one embodiment, selection of a media offering at block 308 may resultin the expansion of the second layer 415 along vertical axis 410 and theinsertion of third layer 422 (shown in FIG. 4D) of an expandablehierarchy of data to be displayed (see, block 310). As shown in theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 4D, channel listing 404 may have beenfirst selected, thus causing media offerings 416-420 to be expanded.Media offering 420 may have been subsequently displayed, thus causinginsertion and display of layer 422. Although, 404, 420, and 422 areshown as being simultaneously displayable on device 402, those skilledin the art with the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that thisis not a requirement. In this regard, the exemplary embodiment of FIG.4F shows that the selection of media offering 420 has resulted in thedisplay of the third layer 422, therefore, causing media offering 406 tobe below the viewable portion of the screen. Further, a user may causethe collapse or removal of a layer (or portion thereof) of theexpandable hierarchy of data through the provision of one or more userinputs.

Nonetheless, in one embodiment, upon reception of the user input of 308,the first layer (listings 404-408), the second layer 415, and the thirdlayer 422, collectively form a single vertically accessible item. In yetone embodiment, displaying of the third layer 422 may collapse or removefrom viewing portions of the first layer. As further seen in theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 4D, the third layer 422 and one or moreof displayed media offerings 416-420 of the second layer 415 aredisplayed along the same first vertical axis 410. In the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 4D, media offering 420 remained upon reception of theuser input selecting it; however, in another embodiment, a selectedoffering, such as listing 420 may not be displayed upon selection, butrather may be replaced with contents of the third layer 422. In oneimplementation, displayed descriptive material of layer 422 to replacethe selected media offering 420, however, at least one adjacent mediaoffering (e.g., 418) of the second layer 415 along the first verticalaxis 410 is retained.

Layer 422 may comprise descriptive content of the selected listing 420.It may comprise summary information, series or episode information,actors, producers, or any other descriptive information. Descriptivecontent of layer 422 may comprise audio, video, text, or combinationsthereof. In certain implementations, one or more user inputs mayidentify at least a portion of the descriptive content to be displayedin layer 422. In one embodiment, a process similar to that shown in FIG.3B may be implemented before block 308 to select or determine at least aportion of descriptive content to be displayed in layer 420. In oneembodiment, the identification of descriptive content may be specific tochannel listing (e.g., 404), media offering (e.g., 420) and/or othercriteria.

Block 310 or another process may be implemented to display a selectableaction for initiating playback of the selected media offering 420. Theselectable action may be displayed in addition to displaying descriptivecontent of the selected media offering 420. Playback options maycomprise regular speed play, record, one or more trick play options,such as fast forward and/or rewind, and/or other options. For example,looking to exemplary layer 422, one or more user-selectable items may beprovided for initiating user-selectable actions. In one embodiment,layer 422 (and/or another layer) may comprise icon 424 and/or icon 426.Icons 424, 426 may be soft buttons configured to be interacted with,such as during use of a touchscreen and/or another user input device. Inone embodiment, icon 424 may be selectable to initiate playback of mediaoffering 420 and icon 426 may be selectable to pause and/or stopplayback of media offering 420. In certain embodiments, one or moreicons may be configured to initiate or alter playback of media contentrelated to the corresponding media offering (e.g., media offering 420).

In yet another embodiment, block 308 or another process may furtherinitiate playback of the selected media offering (or content related tothe selected media offering—such as a preview) on a display regionwithin the two vertical boundaries of the single column of the firstlayer. The playback may occur simultaneously with the display ofdescriptive material in layer 422.

Descriptive content of the third layer 422 displayed responsive to thesecond user input (e.g., block 308) may comprise a top boundary and abottom boundary separated by a vertical distance (such as along axis410) that is substantially identical to the collective plurality ofmedia offerings 416-420 displayed. In yet further embodiments, thevertical distance between a top and bottom boundary of the displayedlayer 422 may be greater or less than the displayed media offerings(e.g., 416-420). As discussed above, and further seen in FIG. 4F, thirdlayer 422 may be accessible as a single item with at least a portion ofthe second layer 415 and items from the first layer, such as channellisting 404.

Further aspects of this disclosure relate to rendering and displayingcollections of data. FIG. 5A shows illustrative collection of data 500.Collection of data 500 may comprise multiple forms of data (e.g.,textual data, image data, video data, and/or application data). In oneembodiment, collection of data 500 may be rendered in a user-friendlymanner based upon the capabilities (and/or settings of) computing device502. For example, collection of data 500 may comprise a layer of data,such as a first layer (see, e.g. data 504-508 forming an exemplary firstlayer). In one embodiment, collection of data 500 may be rendered topermit easier access and navigability. For example, modern websites areoften configured to simultaneously provide multiple forms of mediatypes. Depending on the capabilities, configuration, and/or usersettings of a computing device, it may be difficult and impractical torender webpage data uniformly across different devices.

For example, looking to FIG. 5B, exemplary website 512 may include afirst video asset 514 (labeled “Video 1”), a first textual asset 516 anda second textual asset 518 (labeled “Text 1” and “Text 2”,respectively), and/or a first image asset 520 and a second image asset522 (labeled “Image 1” and “Image 2”, respectively). On a firstcomputing device operating under a first configuration, website 512 maybe rendered as shown in FIG. 5B, however, on a second computing device(or on the first computing device under a second configuration),accessing website 512 may force the user to individually zoom into eachsection and/or lose their location within the site to access a certainportion of the data (e.g., one or more assets 514-522). Thus, inaccordance with certain embodiments, website 512 (or a portion thereof)may be rendered to be displayable as a single column comprising aplurality of data entries along a first vertical axis (see, e.g., block302 of FIG. 3).

As seen in FIG. 5A, selectable collection of data 500 may include aplurality of sequentially-arranged data 504-508, aligned along verticalaxis 510 of display 502. In one embodiment, data 504-508 may eachrepresent a different type of data from one or more items (such aswebsites). In one embodiment, selectable collection of data 500 maycomprise sequentially-arranged data 504-508, which are renderedaccording to data type of assets 514-522 of website 512. Flags or otherelectronic indicators which may be associated with various assets ofwebpage 512 may be utilized in the rendering of one or more assets514-522. In one embodiment, file extensions may be utilized to discernbetween different data types.

In still yet another embodiment, one or more filters may be utilized todetermine whether an asset should be rendered. For example, manywebsites often have assets that are not undesirable in accordance withcertain embodiments. Therefore, based upon one or more determinations,it may be determined to exclude one or more assets from being rendered(or categorized with assets of similar type or characteristics). In oneembodiment, location of the asset, its size, file extension, and/orother attributes of an asset or the webpage 512 may be utilized indetermining whether to render (or how to render) an asset.

In certain embodiments, the reception of a user input may select whichaspects are rendered along the single axis, such as axis 510. In oneembodiment, a user may swipe in a direction not parallel with axis 510,such as perpendicular to axis 510, to access filtering information. Uponaccessing the filtering information, the user may then be permitted toadjust what information is filtered and/or how information may befiltered. In yet another embodiment, a first layer of information (suchas comprising data 504, 506, and 508) may be provided along a firstaxis, such as axis 510, and reception of a user input will cause anotherfirst layer of information to be displayed substantially along the sameaxis. For example, a first layer of information comprising data 504,506, and 508 shown in FIG. 5A may be first displayed. In one embodiment,data 504, 506 and 508 may each comprise data in a single category, suchas “Comedy” assets. Upon reception of a user input, such as aperpendicular swiping motion, the first layer of “comedy” assets may bereplaced with a different first layer of data (that does not comprisedata 504, 506, 508). The new first layer of data, which may also bedisplayed substantially along vertical axis 510 may relate to adifferent category of assets, such as “Drama” assets. In this regard, auser may have access to multiple different hierarchical structures, eachwith multiple layers.

In one embodiment, data 504 may represent at least one video asset(e.g., asset 514), data 506 may represent at least one textual asset(e.g., assets 516 and/or 518), and data 508 may represent at least onevideo asset (e.g., asset 514) from website 512. Yet, in anotherembodiment, at least one of data 504-508 may represent data accessiblefrom a second item, such as a second website. In this regard, aspects ofthis disclosure are directed toward aggregating data from multiple itemsand rendering them in a more user-friendly manner.

The rendering of assets 514-522 may consider associations orcommonalities among the assets. For example, video asset 514, textualasset 516, and image asset 520 may relate to a common theme, such as afirst media offering (such as a first news story). Thus, in oneembodiment, data 504 may represent an aggregation of data that includesassets 514, 516 and 520. Likewise, textual asset 518 and image asset 522may relate to a second media asset, therefore, data 506 may representthe collection of assets 518 and 520. In one implementation, the columnof first layer data 504-508 shown in FIG. 5A may be verticallyaccessible as a single item, for example, as described above inreference to FIG. 5B.

The rendered assets may be arranged within a hierarchy of data havingmultiple layers, such as along vertical axis 510. For example, theillustrative collection of data shown as elements 504-508 may representa first layer (as shown in FIG. 5A). In one embodiment, data items504-508 may first be displayed at block 302 of FIG. 3. The first layer(or a portion thereof) may be expanded and a second layer may bedisplayed in regards to the selected item (see, e.g., block 306 of FIG.4A). The expansion of the first layer may be responsive to the receiptof a user input configured to select one of the first layer dataelements 504-508. For example, as discussed above, video asset 514,textual asset 516, and image asset 520 may relate to a common theme,such as a first news story. Thus, in one embodiment, data 504 mayrepresent the collection of assets 514, 516 and 520. Looking to FIG. 5C,selection of item 504 may cause layer 524 to be displayed. Thus, in oneembodiment, the first layer (e.g., data items 504-508) may be expandedalong the vertical axis 510 and second layer 524 of the expandablehierarchy of data is displayed.

The second layer 524 may comprise at least a portion of the assets(e.g., assets 514, 516, 520 shown in FIG. 5B) associated with theselected first layer data, such as data 504. In one embodiment, data 526may comprise information regarding video asset 514, such as for example,a caption, description, length, still image, quality or combinationsthereof. In yet another embodiment, a reduced bit rate version of videoasset 514 may be provided. Data 528 may comprise information regardingtextual asset 516, such as for example, the first portion orintroduction located within the asset, an abstract, or any otherdescriptive materials. In one embodiment, data 528 may provide theentirety of asset 518. Data 530 may comprise information relating toimage asset 520, including for example, a caption, description, size,quality, combinations thereof. In one embodiment, data 530 may compriseasset 520, either in its original form or at a reduced size and/orquality. As discussed above, first layer data 504-508 may bedifferentiated according to other factors, including for example, mediatypes, therefore, the above description, is merely for explanatorypurposes, and not for limiting the scope of this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the displayed data 526-530 of the second layer 524may be displayed along the same first vertical axis 510. In oneembodiment, at least a portion of two data elements of the first layer(e.g., 504, 506) may remain displayed along the vertical axis 510. Inthe exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5C, data 504 remained displayed uponreception of the user input selecting it, however, in anotherembodiment, a selected first layer data element, such as data 504 maynot be displayed upon selection of one or more of first layer dataelements 504-508, but rather may be replaced with contents of the secondlayer 524. As discussed above in relation to FIG. 5D, further layers maybe expanded along the same vertical axis, such as axis 510.

In yet further embodiments, icons may appear as part of the level 1, 2,3, etc., information either alone and/or along with textual and/or videoinformation. For example, a fast forward, rewind, pause, and play videocontrol icon bar may be inserted in, for example, a single axis programguide. In one exemplary embodiment, the lower level data (e.g., thirdlevel data) includes a video control icon bar along with video of theselected program.

Further aspects of this disclosure relate to creating, converting and/ormodifying a 2-dimensional structure (or information within thestructure) into a navigable hierarchical structure. FIG. 6A a shows anexemplary visual depiction of a 2-dimensional structure of data (seestructure 600). Although structure 600 is shown as a visually depicted2-dimensional table, in certain embodiments, structure 600 may be alogical data structure absent any visual depiction. In one embodiment,structure 600 may comprise media information, such as elements of anelectronic program guide (EPG). For example, structure 600 may comprisea plurality of data items. The data items may comprise items of mediacontent, such as items 602-610 (shown arranged in column 611). Items602-610 may be received through any suitable network(s), including forexample, a multicast media system. In one embodiment, item 602 mayrepresent the first channel from a first content provider and item 604may represent the first channel of a second content provider. In furtherembodiments, one or more items 602-610 may represent an interactivemedia channel from one more providers. One more channels may be mappedto interactive content available from any suitable item such as, forexample, provided through the Internet and/or a webpage.

Each of the items 602-610 may be associated with one or more groups ofrelated information, such as media offerings. For example, mediaofferings 612-620 may represent content from items 602-610 respectively.In one embodiment, media offerings 612-620 (arranged as column 621) maybe available during a first time period, such as during a 30 minutesegment, and media offerings 622-630 (column 631) may be availableduring a second time period. Similarly, offerings 632-640 (column 641)may be available during a third time period. In other embodiments, theremay not be any associated time period that restricts access to one ormore of the media offerings within content listings. For example, eachof media offerings 612, 622, and 632 may each be availablesimultaneously. Regardless of whether any timing restrictions arepresent, items 602-610 are shown as being associated with correspondingmedia offerings. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A data item 606 isassociated with media offerings 616, 626, and 636 (row 642).

FIG. 6B shows a graphical depiction of an exemplary conversion ofstructure 600 (or a portion thereof) from a 2-dimensional structure toan expandable hierarchical arrangement. In certain embodiments, theconversion may comprise the creation of a visual hierarchical structure.In further embodiments, an existing visual depiction of structure 600may be converted and/or modified to form the hierarchical structure. Inone embodiment, principles relating to oblique projection may beutilized to display data structures. Oblique projection and/or othertechniques may be utilized to display data formed or converted intomulti-dimensional data as one dimensional, however, may be navigatedthrough the multiple dimensions. For example, FIG. 6B shows an exemplaryutilization of oblique projection on two dimensional data (rather than aphysical object) to present media data in a one dimensionalpresentation. As further seen in FIG. 6B, structure 600 may be convertedto a vertically-arranged hierarchical structure. In one embodiment, atleast a portion of the items of column 611 (items 602-610) may form afirst layer, such as layer 643.

Media offerings (or portions thereof) that are associated with a itemmay form a second layer specific to that item. For example, as discussedabove in relation to FIG. 6A, data item 606 is associated with mediaofferings of row 642, therefore, in one embodiment, at least a portionof the media offerings of 642 may form a second layer (see layer 644)associated with item 606. Thus, in the depicted embodiment, structure600 has been converted to a hierarchical structure in which layer 643forms a “top” layer that is vertically-arranged above at least onesubsequent layer (such as the media offerings in layer 644). In thisregard, the uppermost layer of data may represent the plurality of dataitems. In certain embodiments, whether a visual display of the hierarchyis vertically and/or horizontally arranged and/or the relationshipbetween the various layers (disposed adjacent to, overlay, partiallyoverlay, expand out of, and/or in a 3D relationship) may be userselectable.

As shown in FIG. 6C, at least a portion of layer 643 may be visuallydisplayed on a display device, such as device 658. In one embodiment,device 658 may be substantially similar to device 402. In this regard,any discussion and/or disclosure relating to device 402 and/or FIGS.4A-4G may be optionally included in various embodiments of FIGS. 6A-6E.As seen in FIG. 6C, layer 643 may be presented as a selectable array ofsequentially-arranged data (e.g., items of media content 602-610) ofthat layer 643, which may be aligned along a vertical axis of display658. Yet in other embodiments, layer 643 may be aligned along ahorizontal axis. In one implementation, layer 643 (a.k.a., level oneinformation) may be vertically accessible as a single item, such thatless than all of the level one information is simultaneously viewable ondisplay 658. As an example, FIG. 6C shows a hierarchy of data ofselectable level one information (e.g., media offerings 602-610) inwhich only a portion of media offerings 602-610 is shown as being on thescreen of device 658. In the depiction shown in FIG. 6C, certain levelone information 602-610 may not be displayed due to size restrictions.In one embodiment, however, a user may touch/swipe a region of display658 corresponding to a command to scroll up/down the column.

As shown in FIG. 6D, further aspects of this disclosure relate to ahierarchy of data having multiple layers arranged in an expandablehierarchy of data, such as along one or more axis. For example, each ofitems 602-610 may represent discrete data of a first layer 643. Asdiscussed in relation to FIG. 6B, each of the first layer data, however,may be associated with second layer data (e.g., chronologically orderedmedia offerings that are displayed in FIG. 6B). In response to theselection of the displayed item, such as item 606 a first layer 643 (ora portion thereof) may be expanded and a second layer, such as layer644, may be displayed in regards to the selected first layer data. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 6D, first level data 606 may have beenselected, and as a result, second layer data 644 (e.g., multiple secondlevel data items 616, 626 and 636) may be displayed. Thus, in oneembodiment, the first layer 644 (comprising data items 602-610) may beexpanded along the vertical axis and second layer 644 of the expandablehierarchy of data is displayed. In one embodiment, media offerings 616,626 and 636 may be chronologically-ordered. Similar to certainimplementations of layer 643, layer 644 may be vertically accessible,such that at least a portion of the data of layer 644 may not beviewable at all times (see. e.g., FIG. 6E).

As shown by the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6F and FIG. 6G, the usermay provide a further selecting of data of the second layer 644. Thethird selection may variously create a third layer 652 of expandablehierarchy showing further data, e.g., descriptive content and/or actionsassociated with the selected offerings. A third layer 652 may bedisposed adjacent to, overlay, partially overlay, expand out of, and/orin a 3D relationship to the second layer. In an exemplary embodiment,the third layer 652 expands substantially along the same or similar axiswhich in certain embodiments facilitates the user keeping context of hislocation within the data. In this example, the third layer data may be,for example, additional information, or options selectable by the user,such as: play, record, and/or send.

Aspects of the disclosure have been described in terms of illustrativeembodiments thereof. While illustrative systems and methods as describedherein embodying various aspects of the present disclosure are shown, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art, that the disclosure isnot limited to these embodiments. Modifications may be made by thoseskilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.For example, each of the features of the aforementioned illustrativeexamples may be utilized alone or in combination or sub combination withelements of the other examples. For example, any of the above describedsystems and methods or parts thereof may be combined with the othermethods and systems or parts thereof described above. For example, oneof ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the steps illustratedin the illustrative figures may be performed in other than the recitedorder, and that one or more steps illustrated may be optional inaccordance with aspects of the disclosure. It will also be appreciatedand understood that modifications may be made without departing from thetrue spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The description is thusto be regarded as illustrative instead of restrictive on the presentdisclosure. Further, any trademarks referenced herein, including but notlimited to: “Disney”, “ESPN,” “ABC”, “USA” “NBC”, “CBS”, “Yahoo”,“Google”, and “Amazon” is the property of the respective owner(s) and noownership or affiliation of any marks are claimed.

I claim:
 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprisingcomputer-executable instructions that when executed by a processor,cause the processor to perform a method comprising: displaying a firstlayer of an expandable hierarchy of data as a single column along afirst vertical axis, the single column comprising a plurality of mediaitems along a first vertical axis, wherein each media item is associatedwith a plurality of media offerings for that media item; and responsiveto a first user input selecting one of the media items, expanding thefirst layer and displaying a second layer of the expandable hierarchy ofdata comprising at least a portion of the media offerings associatedwith the selected media item, wherein the displayed media offerings ofthe second layer are displayed along the same first vertical axis andthe first layer and the second layer collectively form a singlevertically accessible item.
 2. The computer-readable medium of claim 1,the instructions further comprising: responsive to a second user inputselecting one of the displayed media offerings of the second layer,displaying descriptive content of the selected media offering along thesame first vertical axis on a third layer, wherein a single unitaryaccessible item is formed from the first, second and third layers. 3.The computer-readable medium of claim 2, wherein the instructionsfurther comprise: in addition to displaying descriptive content of theselected media offering responsive to the second user input, displayinga selectable action for initiating playback of the selected media. 4.The computer-readable medium of claim 3, wherein the single column ofthe first layer comprises a substantially uniform horizontal widthbetween two vertical boundaries that are parallel with the firstvertical axis; and wherein the portion of the media offerings displayedon the second layer in response to the first user input form a columnwith a single row having the same horizontal width as the single columnof the first column.
 5. The computer-readable medium of claim 2, whereinthe descriptive content of the third layer displayed responsive to thesecond user input comprises a top boundary and a bottom boundaryseparated by a vertical distance that is equal to or less than avertical distance of the channel listing that was selected by the firstuser input.
 6. The computer-readable medium of claim 2, the instructionsfurther comprising: in response to receiving a third user input,displaying a predefined quantity of media offerings to be displayed onthe second layer.
 7. The computer-readable medium of claim 6, whereinthe third user input is received prior to the first user input.
 8. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 6, wherein the indication provided inthe third user input is specific to a single item.
 9. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 1, the instructions furthercomprising: receiving a fourth user input comprising an identificationof descriptive content to be displayed in response to the reception ofthe second user input.
 10. A non-transitory computer-readable mediumcomprising computer-executable instructions that when executed by aprocessor, cause the processor to perform a method comprising:displaying a first layer of an expandable hierarchy of data as a singlecolumn along a first vertical axis, the single column comprising asingle row having a plurality of media items along a first verticalaxis, wherein each media item is associated with a plurality of mediaofferings for that media item; and responsive to a first user inputselecting one of the media items, expanding the first layer anddisplaying a second layer of the expandable hierarchy of data comprisingat least a portion of the media offerings associated with the selectedmedia item, wherein the displayed media offerings of the second layerare displayed along the same first vertical axis and the first layer andthe second layer collectively form a single vertically accessible item.11. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, the instructions furthercomprising: responsive to a second user input selecting one of thedisplayed media offerings of the second layer, displaying descriptivecontent of the selected media offering along the same first verticalaxis on a third layer, wherein the second layer and the third layercollectively form a single vertically accessible item.
 12. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions furthercomprise: in addition to displaying descriptive content of the selectedmedia offering responsive to the second user input, displaying aselectable action for initiating playback of the selected media.
 13. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the single column of thefirst layer comprises a substantially uniform horizontal width betweentwo vertical boundaries that are parallel with the first vertical axis;and wherein the portion of the media offerings displayed on the secondlayer in response to the first user input form a column with a singlerow having the same horizontal width as the single column of the firstcolumn.
 14. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein thedescriptive content of the third layer displayed responsive to thesecond user input comprises a top boundary and a bottom boundaryseparated by a vertical distance that is equal to or less than avertical distance of the item that was selected by the first user input.15. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, the instructions furthercomprising: in response to receiving a third user input, displaying apredefined quantity of media offerings to be displayed on the secondlayer.
 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the thirduser input is received prior to the first user input.
 17. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the indication provided inthe third user input is specific to a single item.
 18. Computer displaymethod comprising: displaying multi-level information substantiallyalong one axis by separating level one information and inserting leveltwo information between the level one information.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, comprising: displaying the level one information substantiallyalong the axis along with level two information and level threeinformation by separating the level two information along the axis andinserting the level three information.
 20. The method of claim 19,including displaying information responsive to filters associated with adevice displaying the information.